The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)
Education & Explainer
About
Reaching #4 on the Apple Podcast Education charts, The Signal is the definitive podcast for higher education’s transformation leaders. Hosted by Jeff Dillon, The Signal cuts through the noise of the "status quo" to bring you the strategic intelligence needed to reshape how institutions recruit, support, and retain students. Every Friday, we sit down with the practitioners and technology builders who are actively defining the next decade of campus life. Why Higher Ed Leaders Listen: In one of the most consequential periods for academia, we move past the hype to focus on Human-Centered Innovation. Our episodes feature deep-dive interviews with gu...
Episodes
- Ep. 86 - Arjun Arora: From Enterprise AI to Education—Why the Best Tech Solves Human Problems
In this episode, host Jeff Dillon interviews Arjun Arora, founder and CEO of Advisor AI, about leveraging AI to improve student success in higher education. They discuss the role of technology in advising, addressing student disconnection…
- Ep. 85 - Jay Gonzalez: Guaranteeing ROI — How Curry College Is Reinventing the College Business Model
Curry College President Jay Gonzalez discusses his non-traditional approach to higher education leadership, including the institution's job guarantee program, use of predictive analytics, and the establishment of a Center for Innovation.
- Ep. 84 - Betheny Gross: The Real Opportunity for AI in Higher Education
In this episode, host Jeff Dillon and guest Dr. Betheny Gross, Research Director at WGU Labs, discuss the role of AI in higher education, highlighting both its potential for meaningful transformation and its current limitations. They explo…
- Ep. 83 - Mitchell Borges: Why Students Trust Strangers More Than Your University
Mitchell Borges joins Jeff Dillon on The Signal to discuss how enrollment marketers can build student trust by leveraging peer perspectives and student-led social media content. The episode also highlights the challenges of upcoming Title…
- Ep. 82 - Jaime Hunt: AI Is Not the Wild West, Higher Ed Needs a Strategy
Jaime Hunt, founder of Solve Higher Ed, discusses the prevailing challenges in higher education marketing, including enrollment and branding. She advocates for strategic risk-taking and long-term planning to help institutions differentiate…
- Ep. 81 - Devin Purgason: Who Owns the Student Journey in the Age of AI
Jeff Dillon speaks with Devin Purgason of Forsyth Technical Community College about the role of community colleges in the age of AI. They discuss moving toward student-first marketing strategies and integrating support services to enhance…
- Ep. 80 - Higher Ed Is on Fire. We Need a Better Signal.
The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast) launches with host Jeff Dillon to discuss the impact of technology in higher education. The show aims to provide insights for leaders and digital professionals to help navigate the evolving…
- Ep. 79 - Valerie Fox: The New Front Door to Graduate Enrollment
Host Jeff Dillon and strategic advisor Val Fox discuss strategies for graduate enrollment management, emphasizing why the undergraduate marketing model is ineffective for adult learners. The episode covers shifts in student research behavi…
- Ep. 78 - Shannon Vander Muelen: Students Don’t Hate Waiting They Hate Uncertainty
Host Jeff Dillon interviews Shannon Vander Meulen, Co-Founder and CMO of WaitWell, about improving student service experiences. They discuss how the platform uses technology and AI to reduce uncertainty, optimize campus operations, and imp…
- Ep. 77 - Stephen Laster: From Harvard to Panopto - Scaling EdTech That Matters
Panopto CEO Stephen Laster discusses his career in edtech, the importance of human-centered AI, and how technology can improve accessibility. Laster also shares insights on institutional change, the role of interoperability, and his approa…
- Ep. 76 - Fiona Hayes: Why Perspective Is the Most Underrated Skill in Higher Education
Fiona Hayes, CEO of Viewpoint Simulations, shares insights on transforming lecture content into role-playing simulations to enhance experiential learning. The episode covers empathy-driven product development, the importance of educator re…
- Ep. 75 - Tawnya Means: Human Plus AI and the Future of Teaching
Tawnya Means of Inspire Higher Ed discusses the integration of AI in education, emphasizing that technology should augment, not replace, human connection. The conversation covers strategies for purposeful innovation, overcoming change fati…
- Ep. 74 - Charity Stutzman: Future Proofing Student Wellbeing with Data Driven Prevention
Charity Stutzman of Vector Solutions discusses the Campus Prevention Network National Insights Report, exploring shifting trends in student substance use and wellbeing. The conversation covers the rise in student alcohol abstinence and how…
- Ep. 73 - Ben Tasker: Living in the AI Between Times
Ben Tasker discusses the "AI between times," exploring how AI is reshaping education and workforce readiness. The conversation covers transitioning to skills-based learning, the ethical integration of AI, and why AI should be used to ampli…
- Ep. 72 - Michelle Craig: What Colleges Need to Know Before Gen Alpha Arrives
Jeff Dillon interviews Michelle Craig about the arrival of Generation Alpha in higher education. They discuss the implications of "Generation AI," the expectation for hybrid learning, and the need for institutions to prioritize digital equ…
- Ep. 71 - Jen Jenkins: What Online Universities Can Teach Campus Leaders About Digital Experience
Jen Jenkins, Director of Digital Experience at Western Governors University, discusses applying empathy-driven content strategy and technical expertise to the higher education sector. The conversation covers the role of SEO in academic pro…
- Ep. 70 - Sharon Harrison: How AI Support is Becoming the New Front Door of Higher Education
Host Jeff Dillon and guest Sharon Harrison of Gravyty discuss the evolution and implementation of conversational AI in higher education. They cover the shift from simple chatbots to mission-critical infrastructure, measuring ROI, and the u…
- Ep. 69 - Gerry White: From Shakespeare to Cyborgs Teaching the Human Side of Humanity
Host Jeff Dillon interviews educator Gerry White about the intersection of technology and the humanities. They discuss AI-powered education, robotics in school safety, and the importance of maintaining human agency in an AI-driven future.
- Ep. 68 - France Hoang: Designing AI Ready Systems that put People Before Platforms
France Hoang, CEO of Boodlebox, discusses the human-AI relationship in education. He examines how to integrate AI effectively by focusing on human-centric strategy, maintaining academic integrity, and reintroducing productive struggle into…
- Ep. 67 - NYU's Erin Callihan: Real AI Strategy for Higher Ed
Host Jeff Dillon interviews Erin Callihan from NYU about practical AI strategies in higher education. They discuss using integrated AI tools for research and content creation, balancing automated tasks with a human voice, and developing re…
- Ep. 66 - Christy Heid: How VR Simulation is Transforming Nursing Education
In this episode of The Signal, Dr. Christy Heid discusses how VR simulation and AI tools are being used to address the readiness gap in nursing education. She explores how these technologies support clinical judgment, practice, and the tra…
- Ep. 65 - Jim Sterne: When AI Becomes a Thinking Partner
Host Jeff Dillon interviews digital marketing pioneer Jim Sterne about the impact of Generative AI on the workplace. They discuss the importance of human judgment, the role of AI as a thinking partner, and practical strategies for organiza…
- Ep. 64 - Mariah Tang: Why Storytelling Still Wins in the Age of AI
Mariah Tang joins Jeff Dillon on The Signal to explore content marketing, stressing the importance of human connection over platforms. The discussion covers "Search Everywhere Optimization," niching down, and leveraging AI as a creative to…
- Ep. 63 - Mia Healy: Creativity Is the New Campus Currency
Mia Healy shares her experiences in higher education consulting, emphasizing the importance of empathy, ecosystem building, and visual communication in EdTech. She highlights how Canva supports campuses and discusses the growing impact of…
- Ep. 62 - Faton Sopa: The Reddit Effect and How It’s Changing College Decisions
Faton Sopa discusses how prospective students now 'cross-check' information across platforms like Google, Reddit, and AI tools, with 88% verifying data elsewhere. The episode highlights Reddit's significant influence and the growing import…
- Ep. 61 - Rasheed Behrooznia: Beyond the Student ID & The Future of Campus Commerce and Experience
Host Jeff Dillon talks with Rasheed Behrooznia about modernizing campus experiences through technology. They cover the 90% adoption of mobile student IDs, balancing innovation with scale, and the role of AI in streamlining operations and d…
- Ep. 60 - Ricardo Rengifo: From Filing Cabinets to a Future-Ready Campus
In this episode, Ricardo Rengifo discusses the challenges of digitizing university operations, highlighting the benefits of smart forms and e-signatures over traditional paper processes. He emphasizes starting with overlooked internal oper…
- Matthew Seitz: Humans + AI = Business Impact at UW Madison’s AI Hub
Host Jeff Dillon speaks with UW-Madison AI Hub Director Matt Seitz about the parallels between Ironman training and AI business transformation. They discuss overcoming AI adoption fears, balancing education with AI skills, and the competit…
- Nick Cawthon: Responsible AI and Strategic Design
Nick Cawthon discusses how universities can improve digital experiences amidst AI advancements. He addresses higher education
- Dipesh Jain: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Learning with Magic EdTech
Dipesh Jain of Magic EdTech discusses creating accessible and transformative digital learning. He emphasizes ethical AI implementation, accessibility compliance, and solving real educational challenges to foster inclusive, mission-driven i…
- David Nelson: Why 76% of Students Want to Study Abroad
A Terra Dotta survey reveals 76% of students want to study abroad, driven by career goals. Destinations are concentrating in "safe" locations like the UK, and parents play a key role. Technology, including AI, is crucial for managing costs…
- Joshua Meredith: From Dean to Deloitte: Tech, Strategy & Student Success
Joshua Meredith joins Edtech Connect to discuss the critical need for universities to replace outdated ERP systems and unify siloed data. He highlights the importance of integrated digital experiences and practical AI applications for impr…
- Jenny Li Fowler: Elevating MIT's Digital Presence
Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT, shares insights on managing the university
- Ep. 53 - Melanie Lindahl: Beyond the Red Stapler, Budget Friendly UX Strategies for Higher Ed
Melanie Lindahl discusses practical, budget-friendly UX strategies for higher education, highlighting that success relies on understanding users rather than expensive tools. She advises starting small, integrating feedback early, using AI…
- Ep. 52 - Ethan Braden: Building Iconic University Brands
Ethan Braden, VP and CMO of Texas A&M, discusses building iconic university brands by defining a unique focus, balancing tradition with innovation, and integrating data with emotion. He emphasizes courage, curiosity, AI integration, and ef…
- Jenny Leigh Morris: From Fortune 100 to Higher Ed: Lessons in AI, Innovation and Vendor Partnerships
Jenny Leigh Morris shares insights on leveraging AI in higher education, comparing Fortune 100 innovation strategies with academic institutions. The episode covers improving vendor relationships, accelerating decision-making, and the impor…
- Emily Chase Coleman: How Data Can Fix Higher-Ed’s Pricing Problem
Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics, joins The Signal to discuss how data can solve higher education's challenges. She explains how AI can predict enrollment, optimize financial aid, and improve retention, while also addressing the u…
- Jarrett Smith: The Biggest Disconnect on Campus? What Students Want vs. What Colleges Think They Want
Host Jeff Dillon speaks with Jarrett Smith about the Designing for Decisions report, which surveyed over 1,000 prospective students. The findings reveal that students prioritize cost transparency and clarity on college websites, with many…
- Jennifer Beyer: Making Small Colleges Love Their Student Information Systems
Host Jeff Dillon speaks with Jennifer Beyer about the challenges and opportunities for small to mid-sized colleges in adopting student information systems (SIS). They explore the benefits of cloud-based solutions, the importance of user-ce…
- Eric Kim: The Creative Mind Behind Higher Ed’s Mobile Future
This episode features Eric Kim discussing how mobile technology is transforming higher education, covering topics like AI integration, personalized student experiences, and innovative campus app design inspired by various fields.
- Beyond the Funnel: How EMU is Rethinking Student Success
Katie Condon, VP of Enrollment Management at Eastern Michigan University, discusses innovative strategies for student success and enrollment in higher education. She covers challenges like demographics and financial aid, EMU
- Ep. 45 - Eytan Wurman: What If We Recruited Musicians Like We Do Athletes?
Host Jeff Dillon talks with Eytan Wurman, founder of Common Time Pathways, about recruiting musicians for college like athletes. They cover over $5 billion in music scholarships, music's role in student retention, and using AI in music edu…
- Chase Williams: How Pathify Is Rewiring Campus Tech
Chase Williams, CEO of Pathify, explains how their digital engagement platform centralizes student communication, tasks, and resources into a single hub. Pathify integrates with various campus systems to reduce "digital treasure hunts," bo…
- Dr. Cabrini Pak Breaks Down the Future of AI in Academia
Host Jeff Dillon talks with Dr. Cabrini Pak about the role of AI and concepts like stigmergy in transforming higher education. They cover AI tool experimentation, ethical considerations like error rates, and lessons from the private sector…
- Beyond the Inbox: How Ashley Budd is Rethinking Alumni Engagement
Host Jeff Dillon discusses university marketing and alumni engagement with Ashley Budd, Director of Digital Marketing at Cornell University. They cover digital innovation, the role of email in fundraising, direct mail, AI in fundraising, a…
- Sana Remekie: Orchestrating the Future - What Higher Ed Can Learn from Composable Architecture
In this episode, Sana Remekie discusses how universities can leverage composable architecture and AI to modernize digital experiences, manage legacy systems, and enhance personalization to remain competitive in the evolving digital landsca…
- From Hotels to Horned Frogs: Lessons in Scalable Web Management
Host Jeff Dillon speaks with Corey Reed, Director of Web Management at TCU, discussing the transition from hospitality tech to higher education web management. The episode covers bridging marketing and IT, using AI analytics to manage cont…
- Student Success by Design, Insights from a CSU CIO
Dr. Bao Johri, CIO at Fresno State, shares insights on using AI as a strategic partner for equity and transformation in universities. The episode covers Fresno State's AI initiative, governance, supporting first-generation students, and in…
- Keeping 100 Editors in Sync Running a University Website with Jill Whitaker
Jill Whitaker shares insights on managing university websites, including balancing strategy, coordinating content editors, and prioritizing accessibility. The episode also touches on the impact of AI on web teams.
- How AI Will Redefine Learning in the Next Decade with Slalom's Jennie Wong
Jennie Wong, Global Director of Education at Slalom, joins The Signal podcast to discuss how universities can leverage AI and data. She introduces the "Car Metaphor" framework for AI implementation, discusses federated data models, and sha…